East Africa not ready to reap benefits as tourism destination

Endowed with enduring natural diversity, great climate, rich cultures and receptive people, East Africa is one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations. Recently, US based New York Times recently ranked Tanzania and Uganda among the top 45 destinations tourists should visit in 2012.

The New York Times described Tanzania as an upscale safari destination saying: “In the last several years, tourist numbers visiting Tanzania have edged up according to the East African travel specialists Hippo Creek Safaris and Abercrombie & Kent.”

According to the New York Times, the rapid growth of Tanzania’s tourist infrastructure has been one of the other factors explaining the rapid growth in tourism numbers. Uganda, another country recognised in the region as a fast growing tourist destination, has according to the New York Times, been helped by stable and sustainable tourism, restoring the country’s luster